DVHC: Blacksville Pottery Traditional Cache

A Dunkard Valley History Cache

                When Route 7 was graded and improved thru the area in the late 1920’s it was rerouted south of the roads original location to keep it entirely within the state of WV, instead of following its former route and crossing into Pennsylvania just west of Blacksville.  This new disturbance created a slip in the road cut on the Simeon Lemley farm.  A vein of clay was discovered by Charles Tennant in the mid 1930’s.  This clay was found to be of superior quality and required little handling and washing before being worked.  The Blacksville pottery programs thrived for more than 25 years.  Hundreds of locals produced thousands of pieces of art.  This artwork attracted attention from First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt who visited in 1939 and was presented with a tea set made from the local clay.  Classes were taught at the local high school and were also taught to adults and senior citizens